Arthur Butler "Abe" Lowder

Arthur Butler 'Abe' Lowder, born March 7, 2000; died Jan. 7, 2016.

Fifteen and just coming into his own. Always the fighter, Abe was growing up with his older brother Mac, twin sister Grace and younger sister Jane. His dad Jay and his mom Ann could not have loved him more dearly or enjoyed his spirit more fully. Abe was fiercely protective of his mother and never ceased trying to please his father. He was so proud of Grace, with whom he shared a bond only twins can know. You might have thought she was his big sister by the way she looked out for him, but he was actually born first. He looked up to his older brother Mac and always believed the best of him. He pestered his baby sister Jane, while adoring her.

Although he had some learning difficulties, Abe was never one to shy away from a challenge. He wrestled for a time, played basketball and raised hogs in 4-H; but his true talents lay in cross country and lacrosse, lettering in both sports at Big Sky High School; yet, he truly soared in Civil Air Patrol. Few could endure pain the way Abe could, which served him well in cross country and allowed him to qualify for the state meet in 2015. Abe loved hunting with his best friend Wyatt and actually provided his family's Thanksgiving dinner this year. He also relished playing games and making videos with his other best friend Zach.

Abe never spoke ill of anyone, thought the best of everyone, and never held a grudge – qualities the rest of us can only aspire to achieve. Life is a string of pearls. We often find too much string with too few pearls along the way. Abe was one of those precious pearls. We feel fortunate to have known him, let alone call him our own. Many have lived longer, but few have lived better. He did not have the luxury of longevity, but he did live life to its fullest – squeezing out every ounce he could. His life is a lesson to all of us not to waste even a second that God has granted us.

As life moves forward, every good thing that comes to Jay, Ann, Mac, Grace, Jane and his loved ones will be bittersweet because we won't be able to share it with Abe. We can take comfort in knowing Abe is in God's embrace with no further pain or strife. He is now with his grandfather, Jack Arthur Mattern, for whom he was named. We know Jack will look after him until we all see him again. He is in good hands and righteous company.

Abe is survived by his grandparents, Mary Pope, Sue and Sam Boyd; his aunts and uncles, Stephen and Cindy, Mike and Kellie, James and Tonya, Sandy, Lee Ann and Bert, Jim and Barbara, George and Winnie Ann, and Janis; and his cousins, Hunter, Sean and J.T.

Five individuals have already received the gift of Abe's organs and as many as 100 others may benefit from his donated tissues, allowing him to live on in those he has blessed. To those who wish to honor Abe, the family would appreciate donations to Addie Moser and her family at helpaddiemoser.com, the Jadyn Fred Foundation or any organization promoting organ donations.

A memorial service is planned for 10 a.m. Monday, Jan. 11, at Zootown Church.


Read Arthur Lowder's Obituary and Guestbook on www.missoulafuneralhomes.com.